October 4, 2024

A seamless addition merges modern living with good bones.

Words by Christine Emming | Photos by Brynn Burns

arrie and John Rouchka have renovated and lived in five homes in Brookside. With such personal experience, and as owners of JCLC Homes, they aim to give their clients a well-designed, high-end result but also a good experience during the process.

At this residence, the duo had previously built an outdoor space for the client. With its stone fireplace, full kitchen and large family lounge area, the homeowners spend a lot of time out there whether they’re entertaining or whether it’s just the two of them. They wanted that same expansive feeling with their indoor kitchen and hired JCLC once again.

The house—almost 100 years old—has all the quality, craftsmanship and details of a traditional Brookside home. It was important to transition the kitchen addition into living for today, but include the beautiful elements that reflect the home’s solid bones.

“I love pushing clients to embrace the details,” Carrie says. “Everything should be thought out, from each drawer’s insides to how you’re going to do your laundry to where you’ll bathe your dog.”

The firm’s approach is often a transitional one, updating spaces for modern living while maintaining the charm.

Everything should be thought out, from each drawer’s insides to how you’re going to do your laundry to where you’ll bathe your dog.”
~ Remodeler Carrie Rouchka

“We love remodeling, building additions, renovating kitchens—all while challenging ourselves to keep the integrity of a century-old home,” Carrie says.

Renovating is inherently stressful, but added challenges for this home also included permitting setbacks—as trying to get permits approved via Zoom in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic was a long and tedious process—and the inherently small size of Brookside lots.

Eventually, the city approved plans to bump out enough space on the first floor for a large kitchen addition, a laundry room and a full bath. This addition meant that upstairs, the clients were able to add a hallway and a fourth bedroom with a shared bath. The JCLC team planned for—and ultimately used—every available inch, maximizing the renovation. They also leaned into the client’s love of bold design and pattern, such as with the wallpaper selections.

“They trusted us to develop a beautiful project for them,” Carrie says.

Balancing a client’s wants versus needs is always a challenge, especially on a budget, but spending the right amount of time understanding the client and planning for the best results for them, made this project have a successful outcome.

“How they will live in their new space—the dimensions, the details, the finishes—they all matter!” Carrie says.

Contractor: JCLC Homes, @jclchomes